Dave's Stage 4 Cancer Expenses
Donation protected
At the end of October 2017, 52 year old musician and (my) father Dave Perkins received a sudden and unexpected diagnosis of stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma, a rare cancer of the liver's bile duct, whose average age of affliction is 65-73 years old. At the time, it had spread to his spine, lungs, lymph nodes, and elsewhere. While the diagnosis is fatal, he benefits greatly from chemotherapy and an array of prescription medications, and depends on this treatment to slow the cancer's progression and minimize his pain.
Unfortunately we're still struggling to get coverage or financial assistance for many medications at this time, and some cost several hundred dollars out of pocket. It's a big source of stress and anxiety, especially since his symptoms necessitated he leave his job, and until we finally make proper headway with disability services he has no source of income. At the time of his diagnosis, Dave had an estimated life expectancy of 12 or so months, so we can't just wait patiently for the red tape at social security to clear instead of taking all the action we can and use any available resource.
We live together now, and I'll do whatever I can to ensure the rest of my father's life is as stress-free, safe, comfortable, and fulfilling as possible. Without the cost of care and other basic expenses looming overhead, he will be free to relax and focus on what he loves and finds peace in, like playing the saxophone and piano, and composing and playing music with a crew of loyal friends friends. We also value time spent hanging out together like we used to- watching weird documentaries, hunting for antique shops, and just laughing, care-free.
My father is a sensitive and emotional person who definitely deserves a break. I know he'd be extremely touched by any support and help you could offer, and his friends, family, and I most of all, would be forever grateful and never forget it. Please share this campaign and give if you can, whatever you can. Even $5 means more than you might think. I would love to give my dad some good news, and show him the help he's getting.
Thank you for reading!
Unfortunately we're still struggling to get coverage or financial assistance for many medications at this time, and some cost several hundred dollars out of pocket. It's a big source of stress and anxiety, especially since his symptoms necessitated he leave his job, and until we finally make proper headway with disability services he has no source of income. At the time of his diagnosis, Dave had an estimated life expectancy of 12 or so months, so we can't just wait patiently for the red tape at social security to clear instead of taking all the action we can and use any available resource.
We live together now, and I'll do whatever I can to ensure the rest of my father's life is as stress-free, safe, comfortable, and fulfilling as possible. Without the cost of care and other basic expenses looming overhead, he will be free to relax and focus on what he loves and finds peace in, like playing the saxophone and piano, and composing and playing music with a crew of loyal friends friends. We also value time spent hanging out together like we used to- watching weird documentaries, hunting for antique shops, and just laughing, care-free.
My father is a sensitive and emotional person who definitely deserves a break. I know he'd be extremely touched by any support and help you could offer, and his friends, family, and I most of all, would be forever grateful and never forget it. Please share this campaign and give if you can, whatever you can. Even $5 means more than you might think. I would love to give my dad some good news, and show him the help he's getting.
Thank you for reading!
Organizer
Dennis Charpentier
Organizer
Newburyport, MA
